ENG v IND 2021: "My man through thick and skin," Ben Stokes's message after Joe Root's 109

Root smashed 109 runs of 172 balls in the second innings of the first Test.

England captain Joe Root smashed 109 runs off 172 balls in the second innings of the ongoing first Test against India in Trent Bridge. This was Root’s 21st Test century and the first on English soil since 2018. 

Root came in to bat when England was in trouble at 46/2, after losing Joe Burns and Zak Crawley in quick time. He bailed his team out of danger and powered England to 303.

Root’s innings which lasted 284 minutes consisted of 14 fours. He built vital partnerships with Dom Sibley (28) and Johnny Bairstow (30) before being caught behind Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah then cleared up the tail with the new ball, picking a fifer, and wrapped up the England innings at 303. 

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Root’s innings meant India has to chase 209 in the 4th innings, something that has never been achieved at Trent Bridge. India ended day four at 52/1, needing 157 runs to win on the final day with nine wickets in hand. 

England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who pulled out of the Test series citing mental health issues, took to Twitter to laud the England captain. 

“My man…..through thick and thin,” Ben Stokes Tweeted with a hear emoji.